Just back from Conquest w/ 7 mo. old....any questions?

[KGF]

We returned from our week long cruise on Carnival Conquest on Sunday. It was me, DH, DS (7 mos.), my mother, father and brother. Just wanted to see if anyone had any questions. :)

[zia100]

Hi KGF,

 

I'll be on Carnival Glory next month and we have the same number in the party! DH, Mom, dad and brother; along with our then 7 month old :)

 

I was wondering if you had any advice in terms of 'should have thought of that etc' also, I have a bunch of questions.

 

- Do you have to have a car seat if you rent a car from the airport to port? (not sure how you had transportation)

- As the baby is too young for baby sitting (per carnival's website), where you able to go to the kids area and let the baby play/ let out some energy?

- Did you use a crib or turn the couch around? Did the crib come with sheets? Do i need to bring my own baby blankets?

- Were you able to bring the baby/ stroller into the MDR?

- Were you able to bring the baby into the shows? - in a corner or something? - for those anti babies. I'm just asking. I'm not saying I'll do it!

- Did you bring ALL the baby food from home or were the staff able to mash up some carrots or something for you?

- Are there changing tables in the public restrooms? Or will i need to return to the room?

- Did the baby have his own Sign & sail card? So if the whole family disembark.. but grandparents return with baby while yourself and hubby shop around, they just hold onto the baby's S&S card?

- Apart from the kids's play area and your room, did you find any quiet/ safe/ clean place for the baby to just play in? they're starting to get more mobile so sitting on our lap all day may get dull.

- Were you able to have the baby in the casino (in case they're napping in the stroller) or something along that line? I imagine that the baby would be captivated by the colors (not the actual gambling) - again, I'm just asking.

- Did you use the ship's water to make the baby's bottles or bring out your own bottled water?

 

Sorry for the long list. I truely aprpeciate any insight you have.

thanks,

Ash

[KGF]

Hi KGF,

 

I'll be on Carnival Glory next month and we have the same number in the party! DH, Mom, dad and brother; along with our then 7 month old :)

 

I was wondering if you had any advice in terms of 'should have thought of that etc' also, I have a bunch of questions.

 

- Do you have to have a car seat if you rent a car from the airport to port? (not sure how you had transportation)

 

We drove to the port (3.5 hours away) so we used our carseat to get us to the cruise terminal but after that relied on our umbrella stroller (definite must have) and our carriers (bjorn and portamee). If you are renting a car to take you from the airport to the port you must have a carseat.

 

- As the baby is too young for baby sitting (per carnival's website), where you able to go to the kids area and let the baby play/ let out some energy?

 

We never took our son to the Camp Carnival or anything like that. He was with us 24/7. We found that just watching what was going on around him was plenty exhausting for him...and he's a pretty active baby! We brought a few small toys (read: rattles, teethers, etc) to keep him entertained and for comfort but otherwise he was pretty self sufficient!

 

- Did you use a crib or turn the couch around? Did the crib come with sheets? Do i need to bring my own baby blankets?

 

We brought our PNP for a few reasons...I didn't know what to expect with Carnival and bring our own PNP would give both me and my son the comfort of having something we're used to. We brought two blankets in case one got soiled, but ended up using a pillowcase because our room was rather warm.

 

- Were you able to bring the baby/ stroller into the MDR?

 

Yes our son ate dinner with us in the MDR every evening (and Lido Buffet every morning) and he sat in his stroller. All the dining staff and even our dining neighbors always commented on how cute and well behaved he was. Now, on occassion he did get a little bored and fussed a little bit and DH or I promptly took him outside so as not to disturb others but after a moment or two of interaction he was fine.

 

- Were you able to bring the baby into the shows? - in a corner or something? - for those anti babies. I'm just asking. I'm not saying I'll do it!

 

We opted to take turns on going to the shows which weren't really a big deal to either of us. I really wanted to see the comedian and the Carnival Legends show, DH wanted to see one of the other comedians so we just rotated. I know my son's schedule and if we would have kept him awake to go to a show everything would have been thrown off.

That's my best suggestion....stick to your child's schedule, don't try to get their schedule to fit with the cruise! That said...I did see quite a few others with their babies at the shows...to each their own! We did take him to the marriage show and he was perfectly content sitting in our laps. We just knew that if he started fussing we would leave.

 

- Did you bring ALL the baby food from home or were the staff able to mash up some carrots or something for you?

 

I opted to bring mine from home because I just felt better about it. A comfort thing more than anything. I'm sure they could make some purees (sp?) if you inquired beforehand. I would check with your PVP or call Carnival to be sure. The last thing you need is no way to feed your baby! We also brought our own bottled water for formula bottles...again, comfort thing.

 

- Are there changing tables in the public restrooms? Or will i need to return to the room?

 

Not a single changing table in public restrooms! I just pulled out the changing pad from my diaper bag and changed him on the counter.

 

- Did the baby have his own Sign & sail card? So if the whole family disembark.. but grandparents return with baby while yourself and hubby shop around, they just hold onto the baby's S&S card?

 

Yes, baby has his own S&S card and they will take his picture. If the whole family leaves at a port but grandma and grandpa want to bring him back early all they need is the card.

 

- Apart from the kids's play area and your room, did you find any quiet/ safe/ clean place for the baby to just play in? they're starting to get more mobile so sitting on our lap all day may get dull.

 

Our son was either in his stroller, on someone's lap, or playing on our bed or the PNP. He seemed content with that as long as there was something to entertain him (people to watch, activities going on, etc). I'm not sure about the layout of your ship but the Conquest had a library and not one time did I see someone in there. If you notice its empty maybe take your little one if there getting restless and wanting to crawl around.

 

- Were you able to have the baby in the casino (in case they're napping in the stroller) or something along that line? I imagine that the baby would be captivated by the colors (not the actual gambling) - again, I'm just asking.

 

I took my son into the casino a few times but it got kinda smoky so DH took him to walk around the ship which worked for us (DH wasn't interested in gambling but did want to explore the ship). There are no rules that I noticed regarding kids in casino's just be mindful of the atmosphere and those around you. If they're napping it shouldn't bother anyone.

 

- Did you use the ship's water to make the baby's bottles or bring out your own bottled water?

 

Haha, see above...yes brought our own water.

 

 

Sorry for the long list. I truely aprpeciate any insight you have.

thanks,

Ash

 

Let me know if you have any other questions...hope that helps!

[boating girl]

KGF--I wish everyone with babies/children would be as polite as you. I noticed that you commented on taking the baby out of an area when fussing occurred. Although I love babies, I don't want to listen to crying and fussing at dinner or at a show. Glad you had a good cruise and enjoyed having your little one with you.

[kitty9]

You're going to have a great time on your cruise. Just don't fret over the small things.

 

I do have to disagree with the poster who said it's OK to bring children in the casino. On every ship I've been on, even Carnival and RCI, they have signs posted outside of every casino entrance, and published in Capers, saying children are not allowed in the casino unless walking through to get to another venue. Plus, if you've ever been in a casino, they are very tight, space-wise, and having a stroller blocks others from accessing the areas near where you'd have a stroller. And, I've seen casino employees ask parents to leave the casino with children. It's just like Vegas, no children in the casino.

[KGF]

KGF--I wish everyone with babies/children would be as polite as you. I noticed that you commented on taking the baby out of an area when fussing occurred. Although I love babies, I don't want to listen to crying and fussing at dinner or at a show. Glad you had a good cruise and enjoyed having your little one with you.

 

I just try to give the others the same courtesy I would expect. Not to mention but I'd feel totally weird if everyone was staring at me while my kid was screaming his head off! We definitely enjoyed having our little man with us and I think I would have been really sad if I had left him home.

 

You're going to have a great time on your cruise. Just don't fret over the small things.

 

I do have to disagree with the poster who said it's OK to bring children in the casino. On every ship I've been on, even Carnival and RCI, they have signs posted outside of every casino entrance, and published in Capers, saying children are not allowed in the casino unless walking through to get to another venue. Plus, if you've ever been in a casino, they are very tight, space-wise, and having a stroller blocks others from accessing the areas near where you'd have a stroller. And, I've seen casino employees ask parents to leave the casino with children. It's just like Vegas, no children in the casino.

 

Let me clarify....I don't RECOMMEND doing it but there was a time or two where I did have DS with me for a few minutes while DH ran to the bathroom or something like that. I didn't see any signs or notice anything in the capers but then again I wasn't looking for it either. Thanks for clarifying though.

[zia100]

KGF - thank you very much for your answers. It was most helpful.

 

Concerning the casino - i agree. There is no intention of plunking junior down in front of a slot machine and say 'watch the lights'! I merely posed the question for that very reason. What if you need to just have the baby with you for a couple of minutes while someone else has to leave for whatever reason etc.

 

I can't wait for the cruise - thanks again :)

Ash

[KGF]

KGF - thank you very much for your answers. It was most helpful.

 

Concerning the casino - i agree. There is no intention of plunking junior down in front of a slot machine and say 'watch the lights'! I merely posed the question for that very reason. What if you need to just have the baby with you for a couple of minutes while someone else has to leave for whatever reason etc.

 

I can't wait for the cruise - thanks again :)

Ash

 

No worries! Just remember to let your baby's schedule guide the cruise and you'll be fine. Have a great time! Let me know if you have any other questions/ concerns!

[Snowbuddy]

not sure where you were, or what the temperature was like, but did you get much use out of your carriers, or was it too warm? i am bringing my patapum for our will-be-18-month-old DD in october to the caribbean, and that is my main concern, that she & I will cook if i use it...

[KGF]

not sure where you were, or what the temperature was like, but did you get much use out of your carriers, or was it too warm? i am bringing my patapum for our will-be-18-month-old DD in october to the caribbean, and that is my main concern, that she & I will cook if i use it...

 

It was pretty warm in all of the ports (Jamaica, Cayman, Mexico). We used the stoller most of the time but when we were on the bus/shuttles we would put DS in the carrier. Just made me feel more safe. I'm not familiar with patapums using our Portamee and Bjorns worked fine when we used them. October should be considerably cooler than August, hopefully! Last year we did the same itenerary in April and it was much hotter this time around than when we went last time. Have you tried checking past weather reports for the time you will be sailing? I definitely recommend bringing or renting an umbrella stroller. Your back and baby will thank you!

[barriekins]

It was pretty warm in all of the ports (Jamaica, Cayman, Mexico). We used the stoller most of the time but when we were on the bus/shuttles we would put DS in the carrier. Just made me feel more safe. I'm not familiar with patapums using our Portamee and Bjorns worked fine when we used them. October should be considerably cooler than August, hopefully! Last year we did the same itenerary in April and it was much hotter this time around than when we went last time. Have you tried checking past weather reports for the time you will be sailing? I definitely recommend bringing or renting an umbrella stroller. Your back and baby will thank you!

 

I am traveling on a similar itinerary in about a week with my 8 month old. We'll be in Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Cozumel. What did you do in the ports and how did it work out with your baby? Thanks!

[KGF]

I am traveling on a similar itinerary in about a week with my 8 month old. We'll be in Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Cozumel. What did you do in the ports and how did it work out with your baby? Thanks!

 

Its hard to say because babies have such different temperments and patience levels! Having been to these ports before we did things a little different than the first time we cruised.

 

In Jamaica we did the Montego Bay Highlights and Shopping ( I just really wanted to shop because I didn't really get a chance to last time...had to get my JaBlum Coffee!). I'm sure there is a similar Ocho Rios Highlights tour. This worked out really well for us as DS ended up falling asleep on the bus. No mess, no fuss! If you've never been before and feel up to it I'd go see Dunn's River Falls. We did it last year and it was beautiful. And since the falls are only 15 minutes or so from OR it wont be a long drive or anything. That said, two words of advice:

 

1) DO NOT attempt to climb the falls with your baby. I'm not even sure if they'd let you but even if they say you can. Don't, don't, DONT! I dunno if you have anyone traveling with you that might be able to take your little one so you can climb but if not, take the stairs alongside the falls. You still get to see everything, you're just not in the middle of it so to speak and no danger to your little one!

 

2) You know your baby better than anyone. I know my son would be perfectly content and is very low maintenance....we're very blessed! However, not all babies would be willing to be carted around, up and down, blah, blah, blah. Ultimately, you have to make that call. Just make sure you take plenty of bottles, food, etc.

 

In Grand Cayman, we did the Discover Cayman tour (Stingrays, Hell, and Turtle Farm). We took turns staying on the boat with our DS while the other person went in the water to play with the stingrays. Again, DS ended up falling asleep on the way out to the sand bar. Next stop was Hell, which is basically a black rock formation and a gift shop. We missed it the last cruise and made sure to stop this time around. It's no big deal but I really hope I get the postcard I mailed! Last was the stop at the Turtle Farm. So cute! We even got to hold a few of them (just make sure to wash your hands realllllllly well....salmonella + babies= very very bad!). Again, while this tour worked for us, it may not work for everyone.

 

Cozumel...having been before we didn't really want to do any excursions so we decided to shop in the port and visit the Forum Shops and Carlos & Charlies/ Senor Frogs. Very low maintenance, easy going.

 

Overall I guess the best excursions are the tour type....highlights, shopping etc. As long as you keep the duration at a resonable length and nothing to intense or high impact you should be fine ( 3 hours tour...great choice....8 hour snorkeling + jeep safari + hang gliding...well not so much!) . We also made sure we had plenty of food, bottles, diapers, wipes, toys, etc. to keep DS happy. If you have any specific excursions in mind I'll be happy to give my opinion but again, you know your baby best! And remember, just walking around the port areas can be just as time consuming and entertaining. Don't feel like you HAVE to do an excursion at every stop! HTH, have a great cruise!

[barriekins]

Great suggestions! Thank you!! We've actually been to these ports a few times and have done the highlights at each port, but we're traveling with the inlaws who haven't been anywhere. Just was interested in what worked with your son. Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks again

[cruisinsb]

Did you take cabs in the ports? If so, what did you do about a car seat?

[scooter55]

We are planning on going on a cruise with our 6 mo old grandson and wondered how it was with an infant. His parents are sure what to expect however, we have cruised numerous times. Did you eat in the dining room or just at the buffets? Did you have enough room for a portable crib? Thanks

[Julienatul]

We are planning on going on a cruise with our 6 mo old grandson and wondered how it was with an infant. His parents are sure what to expect however, we have cruised numerous times. Did you eat in the dining room or just at the buffets? Did you have enough room for a portable crib? Thanks

 

We just cruised on the Glory with our 8 month-old week before last. It was great, the crib was a metal port a crib, he slept there every night. It fit perfectly next to the couch bed still leaving room to walk in ou balcony cabin. We ate the buffet for breakfast and lunch-he ate cheerios ,yogurt off of it and I brought jarred baby food/formula for him. Dinner, we had early seating and ate in the main dining room every night. I was most worried about this but my fears were lessened when I realized we were put at a table by ourselves, in the back of the restaurant and surrounded by babies!! Literally all the tables around us had small infants. Im not sure if Carnival planned a section this way or it was just coincidence but it was wonderful. It made it much less stressful to know if he did fuss that everyone around me would understand. We enjoyed each and every dinner and had a fantastic waitstaff. My son was great, slept in the stroller most nights, never really fussed at all during dinner. My husband would go back to the cabin with him after dinner and I would head to the show with DD age 4 and the grandparents. He napped in his stroller on deck during the day. We never did babysitting so I cant tell you about that, but my older DD did participate in camp and loved it, the counselors were great. It was a perfect cruise. We brought a blow-up bathtub for the shower which fit perfectly for him. We swam in the ports so he didnt miss the pools or water. It was a fantastic cruise!!!!

[nattie]

Thank you, KGF! Wonderful info, we are shopping around for a cruise for when my DS is about 7mo, can't wait!!

[sweet_addiction]

hi, i was curious as to how any of you packed your infant water or formula? in your suitcase? or in a separate box ? im trying to figure out what would work out better and wondering if carnival would deliver the box to my cabin? i will be cruising with my hubby and 10 month old next week on the valor from miami